The Match Game

You may gravitate toward certain styles, but today's apparel is designed for--and can enhance--every type of running you do. We asked six wear-testers to run in the latest shirts and shorts and report back on what attire matched their running styles. Certain cuts and features inspired unfettered speed, while others proved ideal for trail outings and even treadmill sessions. On these pages are the togs that are best suited to the particular ways you like to run.

GO FAST

Men's Option

Saucony Elite Singlet

The Elite's sheer fabric and generous cut around the armholes made the guys feel like there was nothing holding them back. The breathable mesh side panels give sweat a place to escape, and flat-lock stitching all around minimizes chafing. saucony.com; $30

Asics Spur Race Short

The lightweight microfiber of these shorts creates a racy feel that makes them ideal for a 5-K. And the two mesh holster pockets are easy to access, even while running at tempo. Some male testers noted how the short cut made them go faster; others just wanted to finish their runs quickly and put their pants back on. asics.com; $38

Women's Option

Nike Race Day Boy ShortWhen you're ready to run like the wind while eliminating any possibility of drag, pull on these snug-fitting Dri-Fit hipsters and head for the starting line. High-sweat areas - lower mid-back and hips - get extra breathing room with mesh panels. A small back pocket can hold that mid-race gel. Nikerunning.com; $35

Adidas Supernova Racerback TopForm-fitting means fast-feeling, and this top got us psyched to race. An interior shelf bra is hidden by the soft, wicking ClimaCool exterior, and mesh side panels aid in ventilation. Generously-cut arm holes combine with a racer-back design for full range of motion for when you're kicking to the finish line. Adidasus.com; $46

RUN EASY

Men's Option

Brooks EZ Flag Tee

Testers liked the soft cotton-T look and feel of this top, even though it's made of stretchy, sweat-wicking polyester that isn't as high-performance as other fabrics. The international graphics (a selection of 11 countries in all) bring out your inner Swede or your Irish pride. brooksrunning.com; $30

Sugoi RSR Short

The loose, casual fit of these lengthy shorts takes the edge off hard workouts and puts you in the mood to take it easy during recovery sessions. Wear-testers appreciated the shorts' thin and lightweight material with stretchy mesh panels and found the zippered back pocket ideal for postrun beer money. sugoi.com; $45

Women's Option

Saucony Run Lux ShortSure, you could run fast in these versatile shorts. But their 4.5-inch inseam and great styling makes them casual and fun, too. Don them for a group run in summer heat; the material is lightweight and quick-drying - good for the sweat-factor, and for when you soak your tired legs in a creek post-run. Saucony.com; $34

Brooks Epiphany Racerback TankThis stylish tank has a soft cotton feel and is slightly heavier than other performance fabrics, but it wicks sweat and feels good. We liked the v-neck and racer-back cut. We got "Cute tank!" remarks on group runs, and for solo outings, you can cram an iPod into the hidden pocket. Brooksrunning.com; $36

TRAIN INSIDE

Men's Option

Golite Drimove Lite Sleeveless

Heavy sweaters will appreciate this lightweight top. Its feathery, recycled polyester with Cocona panels (activated carbon from coconut shells that aids in wicking and odor-fighting) kept testers dry and cool on the most intense treadmill runs, even when the AC was off. golite.com; $36

Under Armour Fuel Short

These baggies made of quick-dry polyester and elastane are versatile enough for the treadmill, the basketball court, or the weight bench. Three pockets gave testers secure places to stash an iPod and gym card, and the boxer-cut liner kept them from flashing other gym-goers during bench presses. underarmour.com; $50

Women's Option

Moving Comfort Gym ShortsSlightly textured, polyester flat mesh with a rollover waistband combines with a slender fit for stylish, sassy appeal (nice, with all those mirrors and people, at the gym). The full boxer-cut liner provides some compression comfort and modesty when you're surrounded by mirrors and people. The internal front pocket fits a small music player. Movingcomfort.com; $35

Sugoi Balance TeeThe lightweight polyester knit here stretches extremely well for a full arm-swing on the treadmill and while lifting weights. Plus, it succeeded at pulling keeping us dry and comfortable until we hit the hot tub. Bonus: A hidden, zippered pocket with a crafty porthole runs your headphones through the interior of the shirt. Sugoi.com; $40GO LONG

Women's Option

Reebok Smoothfit Carcharodon Tee

This buttery-soft top features X-Static silver fibers that channel excess heat and sweat away to keep you cool and odor-free for hours in the summer sun. Several testers noted how comfortable this seamless shirt was during the most rigorous training sessions. rbkrunning.com; $50

Adidas Adistar Short

The Adistar's internal boy-short liner eliminated chafing and provided some muscle support--a plus when the mile markers hit double digits. Whether they were training for a 10-K or a marathon, our female testers unanimously loved how the stretch-woven shell fabric stayed dry, even in humidity. shopadidas.com; $45

Craft Elite Run V-Neck TeeExtremely lightweight and soft fabric joins mesh panels on the underarms and mid-back to keep high-sweat areas comfortable on long runs. We liked this top for big mileage days because of the feathery feel, slightly snug but chafe-free fit, and moisture-management. Plus, if dusk fell and we were still running, the reflective treatment boosted our visibility. Craftsports.us; $55

HIT THE TRAIL

Women's Option

The North Face Long-Sleeve Vitesse Delta 1/4 Zip

Our female testers liked the many options this thin, lightweight top offered for dealing with changing conditions on the trail. They could push up the sleeves and open up the chest zip on sunny parts of a trail run, and pull down and zip up when they ducked into the trees or if the weather changed. thenorthface.com; $60

Patagonia Long Haul Runners

Even though the loose-fitting Long Haul is made of recycled polyester, it performs great. Treated with DWR, the shorts are capable of holding up to an afternoon thunderstorm and drying soon after the rain stops. patagonia.com; $45

Men's Option

The North Face Agility ShortThe length (they come in 5" and 7" inseams) and baggy fit of these shorts hide your inner road runner, while letting it out on the trail with side splits for mobility, quick-dry fabric and a comfortable and supportive liner. A zippered pocket ensures you don't lose your car key in the great wide open. Thenorthface.com; $45

New Balance Breeze TeeWe appreciated the versatility afforded by the deep chest zip of this tee, and the crew-neck collar that doesn't flap around when the zipper is down. Plus, smooth fabric on the shoulder panels are absent of seams - a bonus for when we carried an over-the-shoulder hydration pack. Newbalance.com; $48

Dress for Success

How you choose to outfit yourself can set the tone for your run. "There is a reason Tiger Woods wears red on the closing day of every golf tournament," says Boulder, Colorado-based sports psychologist Stephen Walker, Ph.D. "He wins in that color." True, sometimes you head out the door in your last clean pair of shorts and a shirt that hopefully matches, but you might consider suiting up depending on your expectations for--and even the location of--the miles ahead. "Don't discount the mojo factor when getting dressed," says Walker. "It can make a difference." When trail running, for instance, wearing attire with versatile ventilation features will make you more comfortable, and often more effective. Conversely, if you need to do speedwork, you'll want to pull on your short shorts and fastest-feeling top.

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